Ashlyn Harris Shares Her Winning Advice for World Cup 2026 Athletes

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Ashlyn Harris knows her way around a World Cup victory. 

The U.S. men’s soccer team, after winning their first game against Paraguay 4-1 on June 12th, is getting advice from a two-time FIFA Women’s World Cup champion as they continue playing in international competitions.

Harris described the experience as a rare, “once in a lifetime opportunity,” during an interview with TopMob News at the One Party by Uber on June 12th. Speaking alongside his girlfriend, Sophia Bush, he encouraged people to savor the moment, saying it’s something you can work towards your entire life. “Just enjoy it,” he added.

Since the U.S. is co-hosting the tournament with Mexico and Canada, the goalkeeper wants the U.S. men’s national team to remember how special it is to represent their country on home soil.

She explained that playing in a World Cup brings a lot of pressure, but she hopes the players remember to enjoy the experience – especially since it’s happening on their home turf. She wants them to feel the support of all the fans cheering them on and be proud of what they accomplish.

I was so excited to see what advice Harris had beyond soccer! As someone who’s been following her relationship with the One Tree Hill actress since they started dating in 2023, I really loved hearing her insights on love too – especially with it being Pride Month. She definitely knows how to win, both on and off the field!

The former soccer player, who shares five-year-old Sloane and three-year-old Ocean with her ex-wife Ali Krieger, explained that focusing on happiness is what matters most. She said they are intentionally choosing to find joy ‘in a world that doesn’t always support or appreciate us.’

She emphasized the need to choose love and to remain visible as a community. It’s important, she said, to continue participating in events like these, demonstrating resilience and protecting their happiness.

And Bush echoed the sentiment. 

I’ve always valued my privacy, but I’ve come to realize that the more openly you express yourself, the more you inspire others – and the more visible you become,” she said.

She pointed out how amazing it is to openly express your love for someone.

As Harris and Bush cheer on Team USA in the world cup, take a look at who to know from the USMNT. 

Position: Forward
Age: 27
Height: 5’ 10”
Hometown: Hershey, Pa.
Current Soccer Club: AC Milan (Italy)

Weston McKennie is a 28-year-old midfielder from Little Elm, Texas. He currently plays for Juventus in Italy and stands at 6 feet 1 inch tall.

A 23-year-old midfielder from Bedford, New York, currently plays for Borussia Mönchengladbach in Germany. He is 6 feet 1 inch tall.

A 27-year-old midfielder from Wappingers Falls, New York, currently plays for AFC Bournemouth in England. He is 5 feet 9 inches tall.

Position: Goalkeeper
Age: 22
Height: 6’ 3”
Hometown: Naperville, Ill.
Current Soccer Club: Chicago Fire

Position: Defender
Age: 25
Height: 6’ 1”
Hometown: Fresno, Calif.
Current Soccer Club: Columbus Crew

This 25-year-old defender from Almere, Netherlands, currently plays for PSV Eindhoven. He is 5 feet 8 inches tall.

Okay, let me tell you about him! He’s a defender, and honestly, at 21, he’s already a force. He’s HUGE – 6’2″! – which is amazing to watch when he’s shutting down opponents. And get this, he’s from Plantation, Florida – my home state! But now? He’s playing professionally for Villarreal CF in Spain! Seriously, watching him play over there is a dream. I’ve been following his career since he was a kid, and I just know he’s going to be a superstar.

Position: Defender
Age: 27
Height: 6’ 0”
Hometown: Bear, Del.
Current Soccer Club: Toulouse FC (France)

Position: Defender
Age: 38
Height: 6’ 1”
Hometown: St. Louis, Mo.
Current Soccer Club: Charlotte FC

This 26-year-old defender, originally from Birmingham, Alabama, currently plays for Crystal Palace in England. He is 6 feet 2 inches tall.

This player is a 29-year-old defender from Liverpool, England, currently playing for Fulham in England. He is 6 feet tall.

Position: Defender
Age: 29
Height: 6’ 2”
Hometown: Arlington, Mass.
Current Soccer Club: FC Cincinnati

I’m a huge fan of this player – a 23-year-old defender who stands at 6 feet tall. He’s originally from Lake Grove, New York, but currently plays for Borussia Mönchengladbach in Germany. I’ve been following his career closely and I’m really excited to see what he accomplishes!

Position: Defender
Age: 27
Height: 6’ 3”
Hometown: Media, Pa.
Current Soccer Club: Celtic FC (Scotland)

This 25-year-old midfielder from London, England currently plays for the Vancouver Whitecaps FC in Canada. He is 5 feet 9 inches tall.

This player is a 31-year-old midfielder from Pico Rivera, California who currently plays for the Seattle Sounders FC. He is 5 feet 8 inches tall.

A 24-year-old midfielder from Furth, Germany, currently plays for Leverkusen in Germany. He stands 6 feet 2 inches tall.

This 25-year-old midfielder from Medford, New Jersey currently plays for Leeds United FC in England. He is 5 feet 10 inches tall.

A 24-year-old forward from London, England, currently plays for AS Monaco FC in France. He is 5 feet 10 inches tall.

A 23-year-old forward from El Paso, Texas, currently plays for PSV Eindhoven in the Netherlands. He is 6 feet 1 inch tall.

A 26-year-old forward from Brooklyn, New York, currently plays for Olympique de Marseille in France. He is 6 feet tall.

A 28-year-old forward from Los Angeles, California, currently plays for Coventry City FC in England. He is 6 feet 3 inches tall.

This player is a 28-year-old forward from El Paso, Texas. They are currently playing for Club America in Mexico and stand at 5’6”.

Position: Goalkeeper
Age: 27
Height: 6’ 3”
Hometown: Wayne, Pa.
Current Soccer Club: New York City FC

This player is a 31-year-old goalkeeper who is 6’3″ tall and from Park Ridge, New Jersey. He currently plays for the New England Revolution.

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2026-06-15 20:17